J Brand/Christopher Kane denim collaboration - preview breakfast at Barneys

Bright and early this morning, I was at Barneys New York for the J Brand/Christopher Kane breakfast preview. The up-and-coming designer joined J Brand founder Jeff Rudes to introduce their high-energy denim collaboration for Resort 2012. Playing off of Kane's colorful aesthetic, the line features classic, flattering cuts in vivid neons. As a designer who has always been inspired by color (he first caught the fashion world's attention with his neon lace and vivid florals), Kane understands the importance of dye research. In a season riddled with color, his whitened hot pink, bright yellow and orange crush hit their mark, coming to life on J Brand's classic silhouettes. My favorites are the Bermuda cutoffs: a simple yet unexpected design.

The preview breakfast was held on the recently renovated CO-OP floor, which for the first time, mixes men and women's collections together. This European approach to merchandising is novel and new on the American scene. The co-ed CO-OP includes the GENES @ CO-OP café, which gives new definition to "communal table" dining. The table seats about twenty and is one HUGE interactive touchscreen. Diners can shop online and read up on recent Barneys news.